Craft beers lovers invited to Royal Oak expo

They’re bringing together 27 of the very best American craft breweries under one roof May 9 in Royal Oak, and tickets just went on sale last week.

For the second year, the Craft Beer Expo will showcase a variety of ciders, stouts, ales, shandies and more from Michigan-based breweries and across the country. The event runs from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 9 at the Royal Oak Farmers’ Market, 316 E. 11 Mile, Royal Oak. The 2014 Craft Beer Expo features 27 breweries specializing in craft beer — including 10 from right here in Michigan — as well as some of the area’s most popular food trucks, special guests and raffle prizes. WRIF DJ Anne Carlini will be on-hand to host the evening’s festivities from 7 to 9 p.m.

Tickets for the event cost $25 in advance at www.craftbeerexpo.net or for cash only at the door. Ticket price includes 12 three-ounce beer samples. Discounted tickets, $20 each, are available while they last at all Hollywood Market locations. Additional beer tasting tickets may be purchased at the event.

Ticket purchasers and event guests must be of legal drinking age, 21 or older. Guests are encouraged to drink responsibly.

“Michigan and especially those of us in metro Detroit embrace great beer,” said Gary Thompson, chief operating officer of Powers Distributing. “For those who drink craft beer, there is perhaps no better time to experience it than American Craft Beer Week.

“We wanted to take the initiative to bring together the best brands from across the country and around the corner and share them. We hope those who enjoy craft beer will find not only some of their favorite beverages here, but a few new favorites as well. We’ve provided an environment where event-goers can sample responsibly, all while supporting a worthwhile cause.”

A portion of ticket sales will support the Detroit Lions Club.

“As a family-owned and operated business for more than 75 years, we care about the communities where we live, work and operate,” said Thompson. “And the mission of the Lions Club supports those in our neighborhoods when they need it most. We chose this event to help raise awareness for those efforts and in some way, to give back in Oakland and Macomb counties.”

Beer will also be on the menu for visiting food trucks, available to hungry patrons for cash at this year’s Craft Beer Expo. Treat Dreams, Detroit BBQ Company, Concrete Cuisine and People’s Pierogi Collective will all be onsite to serve up delicious options at the Royal Oak Farmers Market.

A first this year, Treat Dreams will serve Craft Beer Expo beer-inspired treats to ticket-holders as well. Owner Scott Moloney worked with local breweries including Right Brain Brewery, Griffin Claw Brewing Company and Vander Mill Ciders to create signature treats for the occasion. Festival-goers will have a chance to purchase hard cider sorbet crafted with Vander Mill’s Totally Roasted Spiced Cider, or indulge in a deconstructed brownie sundae made with Right Brain CEO Stout Brownies topped with a CEO Stout ganache. Treat Dreams signature salted caramel ice cream will also be onhand, and available with Griffin Claw Cherry Bourbon Stout chocolate sauce.

The 2014 Craft Beer Expo will also offer event goers a chance to win raffle prizes on site. Greater Media Detroit’s WRIF is the event’s sponsor. Visit www.wrif.com for details about how you can win free event tickets between April 21 and May 2.